No, I don't at all see what you're saying. It's simply the laws of physics and human body mechanics that doesn't allow a speeding person to just suddenly turn 90 degrees. About the closest thing to that is what some folks call a jump cut; and the RB is NOT going fast yet.

Regardless of that, I just don't get all the criticism of Austin. He is a unique player. I don't think I've ever seen anyone who can accelerate like he can. And his top end is world class. In fact, I'll bet as the year goes on we're going to see a little more use of TA as a receiver, especially out of the backfield. I think McVay has been setting this up all year long by having Tavon almost exclusively run the ball from the RB position.

I have a hunch if he was earning $3mil instead of $12mil this year, little to none of this would be talked about.
I don't think anyone here would support the thought that he's actually worth $12 mil. But that's the idiotic contract that Snead/Fisher agreed to. And TA has benefited from it.

Unbiased announcers talk all the time about how that jet sweep motion with TA causes the D's all kinds of problems BECAUSE when TA's on the field, you must account for him. One false step and he's gone. And no, the Rams do not have anyone near him for speed and quickness. Few in the league have that.

I don't know if the Rams could talk TA into redoing his contract or not. Next year his number drops to $8mil. Still too much, but not nearly as bad as the $12mil this year. I hope the Rams agree with my view that it would be foolish to dump him in order to save $3 mil against the cap. Who are you going to pick up that can put the fear of God into a defense like he can? A guy whose mere presence alters how the D schemes.

And for those who say that he can't even field punts. Nonsense. Yes, he went through a bad spell and admits it's in his head; but remember he had wrist surgery. I suspect the two are things are closely related. But he has done it for years in the NFL with good results including returns for TDs, and about twice that many returned for TDs that were called back due to stupid penalties.

I like TA and think he's worth keeping around at the right price. However, the contract is the contract and you don't want to cut off your nose to spite your face. And one of the reasons that Gurley often has room to run is faking that jet sweep motion to Tavon.